China has assured Bangladesh of its support for the Teesta project and expressed interest in participating from the planning stage through project design, execution and technical assistance, Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) spokesman Mahdi Amin said on Thursday.
Briefing reporters at the Diaoyutai Hotel in Beijing, Amin said Bangladesh has already prepared a master plan for the Teesta project, as outlined in the BNP’s election manifesto, and China is keen to remain involved throughout the project’s development, reports BSS.
“Based on that plan, China has expressed interest in being involved continuously—from the planning stage to providing technical support where necessary, as well as in project design, planning and execution,” he said.
Amin said China also wants to conduct a joint feasibility study for the large-scale project, describing such a study as crucial. He added that Chinese expertise in water resource management and drainage systems could benefit Bangladesh. The heads of government of the two countries have reached an understanding on the issue, he said.
The spokesman said discussions also focused on expanding trade between the two countries. While China is Bangladesh’s largest trading partner, Bangladesh’s exports remain significantly lower than Chinese exports. The talks explored ways to diversify and increase Bangladeshi exports by making better use of China’s duty-free market access.
Quoting the Chinese Premier, Amin said China’s vast market offers strong potential for Bangladeshi products if the country’s supply chain can better match Chinese demand.
He said Bangladesh’s national fruit, jackfruit, has been confirmed for export to China, adding that exports could also be expanded in fruits, vegetables, agro-based products, fisheries, pharmaceuticals, ceramics and other sectors.
According to Amin, discussions are underway on a joint action plan covering trade and investment. He said Bangladesh aims to shape its state policies so that diplomatic relations produce mutual economic benefits.
China is also interested in investing in Bangladesh’s digital economy, information technology, agriculture and infrastructure, with both state-owned enterprises and private companies expressing interest, he said.
Several Chinese banks are considering starting operations in Bangladesh in the coming years, Amin said, adding that China sees investment opportunities as Bangladesh continues to strengthen its financial sector.
He said several Chinese companies with offices in developed countries are also interested in operating in Bangladesh, and that the Chinese Premier had expressed a positive attitude towards such investment.
The two sides also discussed people-to-people connectivity. Amin said there is considerable scope for cooperation in education as Bangladesh seeks to introduce Mandarin as a third language, while China has expressed interest in supporting technical and vocational education.
He said discussions also covered expanding Chinese investment in hospitals in Bangladesh and easing visa procedures for Bangladeshi patients seeking treatment in China.
Government-level talks further explored ways to simplify visa procedures for Bangladeshi students and increase scholarship opportunities, he added.
Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman attended the press conference.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People at 10:30 am local time on Friday. He will also hold talks with Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China.
Tarique began his first official overseas tour on 21 June with a visit to Malaysia before travelling to Dalian to attend the World Economic Forum’s Summer Davos 2026. After two days of engagements there, he arrived in Beijing on Wednesday afternoon.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to leave Beijing for Dhaka at 5 pm local time on Friday, concluding his four-day visit to China.
